The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1887-11-26
An Eloquent Sermon


On last Sabbath evening Rev. G.. w.
Gross, the highly esteemed pastor of the
Evangelical church of this place, preached
very eloquent sermon to the Jr. o. U. A,
NJ, one of the most prosperous and influ-
ential secret orders of town. There were
about sixty members Of the lodge present,
clothed in appropriate regalia, and they are
to be congratulated on their fine display.
Young America always does look fine when
decked in the stripes and colors.
The discourse by the reverend gentleman
was based on Judges VIII. 81. "For as
young man is so is his strength" For ap-
proprateness of matter and vigor and force
Of style,as well as manner of execution, the
sermon was masterpiece such as is sell
dom If ever heard in Lehighton. We add
few outline thoughts from the sermon.
A young mans strength is physical, intel
lectUal and moral, and upon his strength
depends his safety and welfare. The an
clients paid divine homage to physical
strength, but physical strength without
intellectual and moral power are worth
nothing from a christian standpoint. Pope
says, "The soul constitutes the man."
Some men are weak. He then named some
of the weaknesses of young men and pre-
sented few thoughts under each head
1. From inexperience; old men for counsel
and young men for war. 2. From self-con-
fidence; we must have strength from God
3, From the predominance of passion over
judgment, young men are exposed to dan
gers. !. From improper places of resort
?, from evil companions; 3, from poison
GUS literature; avoid light literature, there
is plenty of good. Means of defense were
then presented as, l. A good home; no
country has such homes as America. 2, In
dustrious habits; some men try to live by
their wits and build air castles TO avoid
work. 3, Self-reliance; help yourself. A,
Respect for the Sabbath. 3, A noble ideal,
a good pattern. For this purpose read the
biographies of great men like Franklin,
Daniel, etc. 6, A plan in life I, Religion
and religious principles. The first aim of
a young mans life is to take care of his
soul. Seek ye first the kingdom of God.
Every young man comes to point where
the road of life is forked; he must choose
for himself; one road leads to happiness,
the other to ruin. We must receive moral
powers from God. The motto of the Jr.
o. U. A. NJ. is Virtue, Liberty and Patriot
ism. II is a good motto and would not
hurt to have it inscribed in our churches.
Nothing promotes these qualities like re-
lgion. No one in war stood so firmly as
those who were consecrated to God. The
chief object Of the lodge is the preservation,
perpetuation OF the institutions of this
great Republic, our public school system
and the Bible. The object is very noble
one. This country is blessed as no other
country is; we love it; it is proud nation.
We are fast nation in invention, discovery
and growth, Our grandfathers of fifty
years ago would not know us. Our coun-
try has great probabilities, but poIygamy is
an enemy, and so is rum. Strength of in
tellect is needed; much of the poor mans
money goes for rum and luxuries. There
is great responsibility as an American vot-
er; use the right with common sense.
There are magnificent possibilities for an
American citizen. Success depends on
pluck not luck. Have just views of life,
make the most of it, and let your object be
the salvation of your soul. Honor, virtue
and integrity are needed by all, and virtue
implies principle as there is no virtue with
out principle, and be assured ''as the young
man Is 50 is his strength" The pastor
preached over an hour, there being very
close attention throughout, and we believe
it met with universal approval by all who
heard it. The talented pastor viii address
the young men of this town and vicinity on
Sabbath afternoon, at $3.50 p. m, in the
room of the Y. NJ. C. A., in Wm. Kemer
er's building. All are invited. c.s.w.